When I first came to Ecuador in 2005, it was to serve in the Nate Saint Memorial School (NSMS), offering a North American education to missionary kids.  Last year, I was nominated to be on the school board and continue to fill that role this year.  It's been a nice way to use my background in education and connect with other local missionaries.  This fall semester I took on an additional role to fill-in as the principal on a temporary basis.  As a lover of education, I enjoy my time among students, teachers, and the opportunity to help the school.  There is something highly satisfying in seeing freshly done bulletin boards, library books, students with backpacks, and teachers deep into a lesson. 
     There is a part of me that longs to be a more permanent fixture in a school, with a "normal" schedule, creating lesson plans, and making learning come alive.  It was such a natural fit for me that as I walk onto the school grounds it automatically feels like I belong there.  In fact, it's been hinted in the past to me that I would be a welcome addition to the staff.  Each time I've laughed it off and stood resolute in my decision to support my husband and the ministry of Young Life.  So, instead of the comfortable, familiar surroundings of a school yard, I feel like I am standing on strange and distant shores. For four consecutive weeks we were traveling and the packing/unpacking of suitcases and different beds were starting to wear me down.  I thought, "This is NOT what I signed up for!".  But it is, because I "signed up" to follow Jesus, wherever He may lead.
    Each month it becomes clearer that God is calling us further outside of our comfort zone.  Doors have opened that we weren't even knocking on.  It's as if we are walking in the dark, with lights turning on ahead of us, marking the way we should go.  With each step it becomes clearer the direction we are to take.  Ivan and I often sit back (literally, while on our many bus rides) and reflect upon all that the Lord has done.  Who could have seen 5 years ago, that YL would now have 8 clubs in 4 distinct areas of the country?!?  For over a year, we have felt a stirring to leave Shell.  It's something we don't really like to think about because well, we like our life in Shell (have I mentioned the monkey sightings behind our house?).  However, the benefits of being in a more central location to the ministry and the ever-increasing travel both in and out of country are hard to ignore.  While in Colombia for our regional conference, it was further confirmed to us that, like it or not, this stirring is not going away.  In fact, as I talked through our thoughts and reasoning to move, it became harder to give reasons to stay.  We're not packing up any boxes yet but we are pursuing options and preparing for the transition.  Please join us in prayer as we seek God's timing and provision.

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; 

I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.  

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, 

so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."  Isaiah 45:2-3